Two to Try: Geyser Peak and Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Today's wine reviews are contributed by Jen. I tried these wines at her house on Saturday night, and I am in total agreement with her conclusions.

These wines have been added to the Budget Wino Review Spreadsheet. If you haven't had a chance to look at the spreadsheet, take a moment. It's a real time saver.

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Budget white wine can be dangerous territory -- a bad white wine always seems far worse to me than a bad red. Maybe I've had too much awful corporate holiday party chardonnay. Or, it could be frightening flashbacks to that super syrupy shouldn't-really-be-called-wine boxed wine that my parents drank when I was a teenager. But, never fear: here are two nice whites worth trying. 

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc
I first had the 2004 Geyser Peak at a seafood restaurant one Saturday afternoon while taking a break from farmer's market shopping. The wine was a nice refreshing combination with clam chowder and a crab sandwich -- perfect for a relaxing afternoon. And, low and behold, we found the bottle at Trader Joe's that afternoon for about the same price as we paid for the single glass over lunch. (Trader Joe's had the 2006 wine, not the '04 from the restaurant.) Wasting no time, we uncorked the '06 that evening while getting ready to host a last-minute dinner party. We immediately knew it was a different wine than what we had over lunch but still quite tasty -- a really nice crisp wine, with or without food. If you like citrus-y whites, you'll definitely like it.

Geyser Peak recommendation: Definitely buy it

Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc
After the bottle of Geyser Peak, we were still in a white wine mood (and now eating dinner) and opened a bottle of Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc. The first sip of this wine was pretty harsh compared to the Geyser Peak. It just didn't have the same richness in flavor and was a bit tart and tangy. But, it got a lot better on the second, third, forth and fifth sips. It went down easily with salad, fish and cous cous. The three of us who were drinking white preferred the Geyser Peak, but still managed to finish the bottle of Smoking Loon with no problem.

Smoking Loon recommendation: Consider buying it

Comments

[Doc T]

Hey Dorian,

How do you like rieslings? I've got another recommendation: Moselland ArsVitis Riesling. It comes in a big tall bottle that's clear, with a little window showing a picture that sometimes changes based on the season (the winter ones had a Christmas pic). I've always liked it...very crisp, good with salads/seafood. Oh, and I tried the Cellar 8 merlot...very tasty. I'm afraid I'm turning into an alcholic...thanks for the tips though!

[Doc T]

Oh, PS. I've only found it at costco (a few times during the winter) and at Cost Plus World Market (another great source of good cheap under 10 dollar wines)...

[Joyce Bell]

Another really tasty white to try is the Hogue Pinot Grigio 2005 Washington State. Really nice for about $8.99 in my area (Milwaukee, Wis.). I suspect that this used to be the Hogue Pinot Gris in years past, but since Pinot Grigio's been so popular they tweaked the name.

[The Budget Wino]

Doc,

In the right context, I definitely do enjoy a nice Riesling. In fact, Ill be posting a review of one on Wednesday. In the meantime, ill look for the one you recommended, and the Hogue Pinot Grigio that Joyce mentioned.

[Salty]

GREAT site... but I agree - you need to do more whites... Rieslings/Gewurtz/Pinot Gs - would love some recs in this area! (My GF can't do many reds since it kicks up her heartburn)

[Rob W]

I reviewed the Smoking Loon,http://www.365corks.com/2007/02/2005-smoking-loon-sauvignon-blanc.html, and have to disagree just a little as I wouldn't buy it again. Great site you've got though!

[Rob W]

Previous comment picked up a comma in the link. Should have been
http://www.365corks.com/2007/02/2005-smoking-loon-sauvignon-blanc.html